Hosepipe bans could last up to winter as there is not enough rainfall to let 'everyone have the water they need' despite two weeks of showers forecast this month.
Yorkshire Water made the announcement to its more than five million customers following the news reservoirs are only a third full - well below the normal level for this time of year.
Director Dave Kaye said: 'We're expecting more welcome rainfall over the next few days. While welcome, it is likely to be taken up by plants and the parched ground and countryside with very little making its way into our reservoirs.
'Hosepipe restrictions will remain in place until reservoir stocks have recovered – this could extend into the winter – as we are planning for the short-term and to ensure we have adequate supplies heading into the spring and summer of 2026.
'The efforts of customers to reduce water usage, our work to reduce leakage and the drought orders and permits we have in place, as well as others we have applied for, are all helping to reduce demand and protect the water stocks so everyone will have the water they need.'
